ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — The 2010 Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce was introduced at the Chamber’s annual banquet last month. The new chairman is Joseph A. Shaw, an attorney in Loxley.

Shaw grew up outside of Baldwin County and moved here with his wife from Evergreen when their son was in fourth grade.

“We wanted him to go to public school,” said Shaw. He added that the family looked at Shelby and Lee counties, but the family decided to settle in Baldwin for two reasons — the school system and the fact the Shaws had relatives in the area.

“We liked what we saw with Baldwin County education,” said Shaw.

Shaw joined the CBCC about five years ago and has been on the Board of Directors for four years.

“I would have rolled off (the board of directors),” said Shaw, “but they asked me to be chairman.”

Shaw said he is a fan of the Chamber.

“I am a fan of business. I am an entrepreneur at heart,” he said, adding that opening a law office (he refurbished an old bank building in Loxley) was a risk.

“There are quality people in Baldwin County,” Shaw said. Shaw is also a member of the Loxley Optimist Club.

“The Chamber is essential to the area,” said Shaw. “There has to be a place where businesses get together. The people here are good and hardworking.”

Shaw wrote in his message to the Chamber at the banquet, “Our small businesses are the engines that power the economic growth of our communities.” He added that he believed that small businesses will “provide a path.”

And while the Chamber just pulled off it’s annual banquet at the Coliseum, Shaw says he’s already getting calls about the “next big event,” Flavors of the South. That also will be happening in the Baldwin County Coliseum, and it’s a major fundraiser for the Chamber.

And why did Shaw choose the law as his profession?

“I like the entrepreneurial part of it, and I like order and balance. I really enjoy reading case law and it gives me an opportunity to help people,” he said.

As an attorney, he’s seen past some of the official numbers for the county.

“People are hurting a lot more because of the economy than what the numbers indicate,” Shaw said.

Shaw sees his time as chairman as a chance to consolidate the programs the Chamber has begun.

“I am not planning any new programs,” he said, adding, “But I am only one vote on the board.”

His main goal is to increase membership in the Chamber.

“During this time it’s the very local networks that matter more,” Shaw said.

Before leaving the interview, Shaw extended thanks to all the volunteers that put on the annual banquet, adding the “ambassadors” and volunteers, “Keep the Chamber afloat.” He also extended thanks to Power Productions and Peanut Crawley for their help. He added that Mike Baswell donated the use of his airplane to produce the video shown at the banquet and Sweetpea Services provided plants.